Severn Trent has launched a support package to cut water bills by up to 90% for a further 100,000 cash-strapped customers as households struggle amid the cost-of-living crisis. The Coventry-headquartered water firm unveiled a £30 million fund to help those on low incomes, adding to its existing scheme that supports 215,000 customers in need.
Severn Trent said research suggests another 100,000 customers in its area are set to fall into so-called water poverty as finances are stretched by soaring energy bills and living costs. A study carried out by management consultants CEPA suggests 6.5% of households – around 1.5 million – are already in water poverty, meaning they spend more than 5% of their total income after housing costs on water bills.
The cost crunch is expected to see more people struggle to pay their bills, with inflation predicted to hit over 10% later this year.
